Plan a Trip to Darien Lake Amusement Park

Darien Lake is a great amusement park in western New York for any group, from a few college friends to a large family outing. It’s got it all, including roller coasters, a water park with slides, and cotton candy. Take your crew out there for a day trip, or stay on their campground for a weekend getaway.

We’ve been to Darien Lake many times over the years and have all the information you need to plan out your trip. If you’re coming from Buffalo and the Niagara Falls area, it’s a short ride out to Darien Lake. Read on for our tips and recommendations to make the most of your adventure!

Getting to the Park

Darien Lake is easy to get to in western New York. If you’re driving out there, your fastest route is usually taking the I-90 to the NY-77 S/Alleghany Road exit in Pembroke.

If you’re using a GPS, type in the address as 9993 Allegheny Road, Corfu, NY 14036.

For busy days at the park or if there’s a concert at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, there may be traffic or a line to get into the parking lot. The line doesn’t usually take long, but it’s best to arrive outside of peak hours if you can. Parking is $10/car.

See our map below for directions on getting there from our location in Amherst:

Rides, Attractions, and the Water Park

Darien Lake is the spot for thrill rides and fun in the sun! They have some great roller coasters that will make you scream when your stomach drops. Our favorites are The Ride of Steel roller coaster, the Viper, and the Mind Eraser.

Grab a friend and see which one you like best. The Ride of Steel has the biggest drop and is the speediest of all the rides. The Predator is a good old wooden roller coaster that will shake you around, and the Mind Eraser lets your feet dangle while it takes you on a ride.

The water slides and splash park are great options on a hot summer day. We usually run through the park during the day and then cool off at Splashtown.

If you’re not one for heights and thrill rides, there’s still plenty to do in the park! The kiddie rides are easygoing options for big kids and little kids alike. Look for the Darien Lake Railway or Chucky’s Mud Buckets (like the spinning teacups) for two of our family favorites.

The Darien Lake Performing Arts Center has many big name artists and musicians that come to play throughout the year. The Dave Matthews Band and the Goo Goo Dolls are two well-known groups that usually have a show at Darien Lake every year. A concert is a great way to cap off a long day in the park (tickets come with complimentary same-day admission!), or you can attend a show by itself.

Camping and Lodging

Staying over near the park can make for a fun-filled weekend getaway with friends or family. Darien Lake has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, guest houses, cabins, RV rentals, and even glamping!

Bring a group and make a long trip out of it to relax. Darien Lake is a great way to unwind away from work or to bring a group of friends together for a weekend.

We love roasting marshmallows over the campfire after a fun day in the park. And on-site options even get early entry into the park every day. That’s the best way to beat the long lines for the best roller coasters!

About Us

Find luxury and convenience at Strathmore Apartments, located in the heart of Amherst, New York. With incredible amenities including a fitness center, a recreation room, granite countertops, and more, we have everything you need right at home. Take a tour today to find out about our current leasing specials, and secure your spot at the newest upscale apartments in town.